1190 nm FDML laser: Challenges and Strategies

FDML lasers already exist at 1064, 1300 and 1550 nm [1], they typically provide a bandwidth over 100 nm with a typical resulting axial resolution around 6 μm . A combination of a 1064 nm and a 1300 nm FDML laser would enhance the axial resolution due to a wider bandwidth of about 300 nm. To achieve this goal, a new FDML laser centered at 1190 nm is necessary to fill the gap between these two available wavelengths. In addition, this laser can be promising in stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy as a probe laser [2], and it may prove beneficial for OCT due to reduced water absorption compared to 1300 nm.